2018 NFL Draft Profile: Cornerback Isaiah Oliver

In this 2018 NFL Draft profile, we look at the strengths and weaknesses of cornerback Isaiah Oliver out of the University of Colorado.

Isaiah Oliver is considered a top cornerback in the 2018 NFL Draft from NFL insiders. Oliver has an NFL ready skill set and should do well as a dominant corner in the league. Many teams will want him to fill the void they have in that position as he will make an immediate impact as soon as his rookie season.

For how tall and big Oliver is, he reminds many scouts of cornerback Artie Burns. He enters the draft at 6-1 and weighs in at 190 pounds. For how well Burns shuts down receivers and causes turnovers, Oliver is able to replicate the same way as Burns with the way he plays his game.

STRENGTHS

Oliver has incredible size and speed that could cause routes from happening and he is able to give a limited amount of separation. When he is involved in the deep part of the field he has an explosive leap and plenty of speed. He has plenty of makeup speed as well, just in case he makes a mistake on any routes.

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He cherishes when a tough challenge is brought upon him in covering top receivers. He is able to dig through and cause major pass breakups which frustrate receivers and opposing quarterbacks. He doesn’t allow a big window for opposing quarterbacks to throw at which eliminates an opposing player from making big plays on his watch.

WEAKNESSES

When he is in full speed mode it is tough for him to slow down which he needs to fix at the next level. If he has to play bump and run he won’t be able to adjust which could be a major concern against elite receiving options. On lateral passes, he has trouble planting his feet to help him stop. He tends to take some plays off and gets sloppy at times.

With him getting beat on certain receiver routes, Oliver has a tendency of making mental mistakes and gets his team unnecessary penalties drawn. He needs to work on being more aggressive in helping to stop the run from time to time. He needs to wrap up when he is making a tackle instead of trying to make tackles by the ankle. Oliver needs to play more with a chip on his shoulder.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

DRAFT DAY PREDICTION

For having plenty of size and speed and having certain traits he will catch the attention of many NFL general managers. He could be a lockdown cornerback that can cause major havoc. He will be able to be inserted into a starting lineup since he is that talented and ready to make a name for himself. He will need to be put in the right organization in order for him to be successful but make no mistake about it, Oliver will be drafted mid to late first round or very early in the second round.